Guangdong’s Dual Drive: Reform, Innovation, and Lingnan Heritage Shape Greater Bay Area’s Future

Xi Jinping Calls for Deeper Reform and Opening Up in Guangdong

Guangzhou, a city where the past and future seem to converge, was at the heart of national attention this weekend. President Xi Jinping visited Guangdong Province, reiterating its role as China’s vanguard of reform and opening up. The message was clear: the province must not only maintain its momentum but set the pace for the nation’s next phase of high-quality development.

Xi’s remarks, delivered during a two-day inspection tour, echoed through the corridors of power and across the fertile fields of Meizhou City. He reminded officials and citizens alike that the foundations for China’s current achievements were laid by visionaries like Mao Zedong and other revolutionary leaders. At Ye Jianying Memorial Park, the president emphasized the importance of instilling revolutionary traditions in the younger generation—a call to remember, and a challenge to build.

In Meizhou, the tour took on a distinctly local flavor. At a pomelo growing base, Xi learned about efforts to support old revolutionary base areas and advance rural revitalization. He highlighted the importance of developing rural specialty industries, recognizing that the prosperity of farmers is a linchpin for broader social progress. The focus was not only on agricultural output but also on nurturing a sense of identity and pride among rural communities.

Driving Technological and Industrial Integration

Back in the urban heart of Guangzhou, Xi inspected an exhibition showcasing Guangdong’s achievements in technological and industrial innovation. The province, long known as an economic powerhouse, is now being asked to reinvent itself for the future. The integrated development of technology and industry is no longer an option—it is a necessity.

During his meeting with the Party committee and provincial government, Xi stressed that the ongoing study and implementation of the guiding principles from the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee is a major political task. For Guangdong, this means taking a leading role in shaping the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), not just for itself, but as an example for the entire country.

“To create new advantages and achieve new breakthroughs, Guangdong must vigorously carry forward the spirit of reform and opening up and the spirit of the special economic zones,” Xi stated. His vision calls for high-quality development powered by comprehensive reforms, deepening the province’s integration with global markets and strengthening its capacity for innovation.

Greater Bay Area: A Model of Regional Cooperation

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is emerging as a crucible for both economic transformation and cultural convergence. Xi underscored the unique responsibility Guangdong bears, as well as the rare opportunities the region presents. He urged the province to deepen cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao, supporting their integration into the national development strategy.

In practice, this means fostering not just economic ties but also cultural and social bonds. The upcoming 15th National Games, hosted jointly by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, is a vivid illustration of this spirit. Rehearsals for the opening ceremony in Guangzhou are underway, promising an event that blends tradition with innovation.

According to organizers, the ceremony will highlight Lingnan culture—an amalgam of Cantonese, Chaoshan, and Hakka influences. The lion and Yingge dances, dragon boat racing, and water-themed performances will be brought to life with modern technology, including virtual and augmented reality. “Water is a shared memory for the people of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao,” says Huang Peiling, Deputy Chief Director for the opening ceremony. This elemental motif weaves through music, performances, and the very structure of the event, reinforcing a sense of unity across the region.

Yao Zekai, a member of the Chaoyang Yingge Dance Troupe, captured the emotion behind the scenes: “I’m both nervous and excited. Nervous because the opening day is quickly approaching, and excited because I get to showcase Chaoyang Yingge dance to audiences nationwide and help everyone better understand this intangible cultural heritage.”

The technical team is pulling out all the stops. Every seat in the stadium will be equipped with cinema-quality surround sound, and lighting effects will enhance the immersive experience for the 80,000 attendees and millions watching online or on television. The creative team’s goal is simple: deliver a perfect presentation that both entertains and educates.

Clean Governance and Leadership for the Future

Xi’s visit was not just about economic and cultural ambition. He also emphasized the importance of clean, rigorous governance. Strengthening Party leadership and preventing corruption remain central to Guangdong’s development strategy. By creating an environment where officials “do not dare, are not able, and have no desire to commit corruption,” Xi seeks to ensure that the province’s growth is both sustainable and equitable.

Cai Qi, a key member of the CPC’s top leadership, accompanied Xi throughout the tour, underscoring the political significance of the visit.

Looking Ahead: Guangdong’s Challenge and Opportunity

As the region prepares to host the National Games and set the tone for the next Five-Year Plan, Guangdong stands at a crossroads. The province’s ability to harness the spirit of reform and opening up, foster technological and industrial innovation, and nurture its rich cultural heritage will determine its trajectory in the years to come.

Guangdong’s story is not just about numbers or policies—it is about people, traditions, and the constant drive to bridge the old and the new. The Greater Bay Area, with its mosaic of identities and ambitions, may well serve as a microcosm for China’s broader journey toward modernization and global relevance.

Guangdong’s current path, as outlined by President Xi and reflected in the region’s cultural celebrations, reveals a delicate balance between tradition and transformation. The province’s leadership in reform, innovation, and cultural integration is shaping not just its own future, but setting a template for regional cooperation and development across China. If Guangdong continues to unite economic ambition with cultural identity and clean governance, it may well remain the pacesetter for China’s evolving story.